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Pan Am Games open with pomp, pageantry

By Robyn DoolittleStaff Reporter

Fri., Oct. 14, 2011

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO—As a band of sombrero-wearing mariachi singers sauntered to centre stage, the packed Omnilife Stadium here exploded in appreciative cheers that the beloved local tradition was opening these Pan American Games.

Then came the traditional folk dancers, twirling their floor-length layered skirts, and an army of show horse riders and the cheers evolved into a deafening roar.

Mexican athletes cheer as they enter the Omnilife stadium with their delegation during the opening ceremony of the 2011 Pan American. (CRIS BOURONCLE / AFP)

This is the biggest event in this region's history and at several points in the last few years it looked as if it might not happen.

But it came together and now this city is celebrating. An estimated 45,000 braved Guadalajara's notoriously horrific traffic to come to the opening ceremonies, held at this open-air stadium at the edge of town on Friday night.

The two-hour ceremony included an aerial performance, acrobatics and numbers by famous Latin American singers, including Mana, a popular pop-rock band that got its start here.

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An animated light show depicting the sports that will be seen during the Games was projected onto a giant circular screen that descended from above.

The highlight of the show was a spectacular flashlight show. Each seat came with a coloured flashlight and half way through the ceremony volunteers cued the crowd along to a booming techno performance, punctuated with fireworks.

A total of 42 countries and about 6,000 athletes will participate in these Games, which begin Saturday and end Oct. 30.

Team Canada was warmly received by the crowd during the Parade of Nations. Toronto will play host to the next Pan Am Games in 2015.

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